Old-Time Fiddle Contest
Saturday, August 9
11:00 am on the First-Knox Main Stage

Contest Rules:

  1. There will be four (4) age categories: 11 & under, 12 through 19, 20 through 54, and 55 and over.
  2. Children in the 11 & under category will be required to play any two (2) old-time fiddle tunes. Time allowed will be 5 minutes. 
  3. Everyone in the other three categories will be required to play three (3) tunes in this order: a hoedown, a waltz and a tune of choice in that order, with a total allowed time of six (6) minutes.
  4. The tunes Orange Blossom Special, Listen to the Mockingbird and Black Mountain Rag are not allowed.
    (The hoedown must be a 2/4 or 4/4 Old-time style suitable for square dancing. Styles of playing other than those recognized as old time traditional are not accepted.)  The tune of choice can be a rag, polka, reel, jig hornpipe or any traditional old-time tune that shows your talent.
  5. Contestants must play on standard tuned, non-electric instruments.
  6. Contestants may have up to two (2) acoustic accompanists as long as the accompanists DO NOT play melody.
  7. In case of a tie, contestants will be asked to play one (1) tune of their choice as a tie breaker. No one may switch numbers. Contestants will be called to the stage by number only. Judges will not see the contestants.  Please be ready to play when your number is called.
  8. The decision of the judges is final.

Registration will begin at 9:45 am. Numbers for order of playing will be drawn at 10:45.

Contestants will be judged on the following:

Download the registration form here.

Note: All schedules and events are subject to change without notice. Please continue to check our website for all the latest updates.

For more information, call 740-392-FEST (3378) or e-mail: festival@danemmettfestival.org
or visit the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.VisitKnoxOhio.org